We LOVE to make it work here in our home as we multiply and absorb guests.
This past month, we started hosting a home fellowship church and we've cherished the times we've had already! So much so, that we hope to continue as long as the Lord allows and confirms. But, as we grow and share in our fellowship meal after service (a highlight of our gathering), we're hoping to make our backyard as hospitable as possible and this next project is all a part of that.
This is one way we can aim to glorify God in our home, by welcoming others in and worshipping together and breaking bread through fellowship meals. We feel so blessed! The heart behind our gathering definitely outweighs the size of our space,
but nevertheless, we're loving our time together and hoping to please the Lord as we do.
This week, during our Easter break from schooling, we are building a large 14' long table, benches, and arbor to accommodate outdoor family style meals. Our goal is to have it done before our Easter luncheon this Sunday. It's the perfect project for our break time because, as always, we're constantly learning!
I've always loved family style dining. Children and adults mingled around XL portions and laughter and conversations down a mile long table are just my thing! What a joy to bring such fellowship into our own backyard!
but nevertheless, we're loving our time together and hoping to please the Lord as we do.
This week, during our Easter break from schooling, we are building a large 14' long table, benches, and arbor to accommodate outdoor family style meals. Our goal is to have it done before our Easter luncheon this Sunday. It's the perfect project for our break time because, as always, we're constantly learning!
I've always loved family style dining. Children and adults mingled around XL portions and laughter and conversations down a mile long table are just my thing! What a joy to bring such fellowship into our own backyard!
One project at a time, we're making it work around here and thoroughly enjoying the process!
Here's to documenting our latest space maximizing project:
This is our outdoor eating space before:
We eat as many meals as possible outside, but our family alone hardly fit here anymore.
Now, with other families regularly sharing meals with us, we've decided it's time to make better use of our space.
Now, with other families regularly sharing meals with us, we've decided it's time to make better use of our space.
So, first, we listed our picnic table and gazebo for sale.
(We almost always sell what we've outgrown in order to buy the supplies for our projects. Sometimes we make a profit, sometimes it's an even trade, and sometimes we put minimal $ into it, but it's always affordable or free! The beauty of recycling.)
(We almost always sell what we've outgrown in order to buy the supplies for our projects. Sometimes we make a profit, sometimes it's an even trade, and sometimes we put minimal $ into it, but it's always affordable or free! The beauty of recycling.)
Next, we bought the wood with ample helpers galore...always a group effort, but of course!
For the record, India didn't need Nova's help...
She carried more than one of those planks all on her own, the determined girl she is!
Nova, on the other hand was thankful she had India on her team. :)
The benches and table are the first to be built. The arbor will follow. We wanted to have plenty of time for the stain to dry in time for our big Easter meal celebration! So with just one week to build, Brodie and the rest of his trusty crew got started right away.
First, the boys worked on the table frame:
Simple 2x2's, 2x4's, and 2x6's were all they needed for the job:
Next, they built one 14' long bench along the back fence:
The 2 mobile benches on the other side will double as seating for our church services indoors:
This is where I get involved...staining is my job. I love to stain or paint anything I can!
(...and I just might have gotten so inspired that now everything else wooden in our
backyard has a fresh coat of stain as well. Hey, at least now it all matches!)
(...and I just might have gotten so inspired that now everything else wooden in our
backyard has a fresh coat of stain as well. Hey, at least now it all matches!)
(Swing and forts freshly stained too. :))
Next, it's time for the arbor.
I've always loved vines that run amuck. Our existing bower trumpets and wisteria will eventually shade the tables with white flowers and periwinkle grape-like clustering blooms in the spring...I LOVE wisteria arbors! I've always wanted one and it's so fun to think that now we finally will! Wisteria is so beautiful when it blooms and it grows like CRAZY!
The frame takes shape and cross slats will hold the vines as they
grow into their new home with a bit of redirection and TLC:
grow into their new home with a bit of redirection and TLC:
Final stain then finishing touches...and our outdoor table & arbor project are officially complete!
"FRIENDS GATHER HERE"
I can hardly wait to share meals in our new outdoor eating space with family and friends and lanterns and LOVE.
What a fun and functional project!
Thanks {again} Brodie, for your hard work to make our house our home and specifically "a house that absorbs guests"...
...the very kind of home I've always prayed for. Your labors of love are always a blessing to so many.
...the very kind of home I've always prayed for. Your labors of love are always a blessing to so many.
"And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes,
they received their food with glad and generous hearts."
Acts 2:46
they received their food with glad and generous hearts."
Acts 2:46
